Pages

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Super Size Me - A Refresher

The kids and I recently watched Super Size Me (2004 rated PG-13) for the second time. The first time we watched it was quite a few years ago, when it first came out. This documentary is so fascinating, that it actually changed the way my family views fast food.

Here's a description of the movie:

"Super Size Me" is one man's journey into the world of weight gain, health problems and fast food. It's an examination of the American way of life and how we are eating ourselves to death. Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock unravels the American obesity epidemic by interviewing experts nationwide and by subjecting himself to a 'McDonald's only' diet for thirty days straight. His Sundance award-winning feature is as entertaining as it horrifying as it dives into corporate responsibility, nutritional education, school lunch programs and how we as a nation are eating ourselves to death."

I believe that in terms of food, everything is okay, as long as it's in moderation. In terms of a healthy diet, the Canada Food Guide recommends that we eat a balanced diet, and you can create your own food guide on the website, Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide. I live with two teenagers, and they have both learned a lot about healthy eating at school, and have helped us learn about healthier choices at home and when we go out. My son is known as the "trans fat" police at our home, and both my son and daughter are reading food labels whenever they can.

Healthy eating is a lifestyle choice. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy potato chips (low salt) and ice cream every once in awhile. My husband likes to cook, and he is mindful of healthier choices as well. We have been forced into it, because our kids wouldn't have it any other way. We limit our visits to fast food places (like Subway, Wendy's and Tim Horton's) once weekly.

If you want to see Super Size Me for the first time, or want a refresher, you can rent it from the movie store, or you can download it for free, here.